Hopes of Georgia joining the EU fade after parliament approves the controversial foreign agent law
The law was enacted and put into effect despite a recent attempt by President Salome Zurabichvili to Veto it.
The new law requires media organizations and NGOs to register as foreign clients if they receive at least 20% of their funds from abroad – or face hefty fines.
Georgia’s ruling authorities claim that the new measure – dubbed the Transparency Act – will curb alleged foreign attempts to influence domestic politics.
But critics warn that it could significantly restrict freedom of expression, as well as sabotage Georgia’s bid to become an EU member.
Brussels has repeatedly urged Georgian lawmakers to abandon the law and stay on the path to Europe, in addition to a similar concern from Washington.
Critics have dubbed it “Russian law” because it resembles Russian laws used by the Kremlin to target political opponents.
Georgian President Salome Zurabichvili is among the critics of the bill.
She Vetoed the law less than two weeks ago, warning that the so-called Russian law “contradicts our constitution and European standards, and therefore represents an obstacle to our European path”.
However, a parliamentary committee scrapped its move on Monday, paving the way for final approval on Tuesday.
Over the past month, tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Georgia in an attempt to dissuade lawmakers from introducing the bill in parliament.
Ahead of Tuesday’s final reading, hundreds of protesters gathered outside parliament in Tbilisi, some carrying EU flags.
Dozens have been arrested in clashes with police, including media figures.
